Vinnova is offering funding to support sustainable AI infrastructure projects that enhance industrial digital sovereignty, cybersecurity, and utilization of AI in Sweden. Funding is available for industrial-led consortia developing innovative, secure, and cost-effective AI solutions across the entire production chain, with grants covering up to 50% of project costs ranging from 2 to 15 million SEK. Eligible consortia must include at least one industrial partner and may incorporate universities, research institutes, and public authorities.
Overview
The Vinnova funding programme aims to accelerate research, innovation, and industrial adoption of AI infrastructure in Sweden.
The programme supports projects that:
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Develop AI solutions addressing industrial needs
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Increase cybersecurity, data security, and resilience
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Promote sustainable and cost-effective digital infrastructure
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Foster collaboration across industrial, academic, and public sectors
Key Focus Areas
Funded projects should focus on:
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Industrial-driven AI research and innovation
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Creating new AI infrastructure solutions through collaboration
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Enhancing cybersecurity and resilience of digital systems
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Ensuring data security across production and service sectors
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Promoting sustainable and cost-efficient AI infrastructure across industries
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must form a consortium meeting the following conditions:
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At least two participants, including one industrial partner (company)
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Other participants may include universities, university colleges, research institutes, and public authorities
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Participants must be Swedish legal entities, including foreign organisations with a branch or establishment in Sweden
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Project activities must relate to the operations of the Swedish entity
Target Industries
Projects should address industrial needs across the full production chain, from raw material extraction to finished products, including:
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Energy, logistics, transport, telecommunications
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Ventilation, recycling, and defense sectors
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Companies providing digital infrastructure, computing, and storage solutions
Funding Details
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Project Funding: 2–15 million SEK
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Funding Coverage: Up to 50% of eligible project costs
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Eligible Costs: Must relate to the project activities of the Swedish participant(s)
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Consortium Requirement: Industrial partner mandatory; collaboration with academic and public entities encouraged
How to Apply
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Form a Consortium
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Include at least one industrial partner and one additional participant
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Ensure all partners are eligible Swedish legal entities
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Define Project Scope
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Align project with industrial AI needs and focus areas
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Detail contributions of each consortium participant
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Prepare Budget and Proposal
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Provide itemised budget covering eligible project costs
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Highlight innovation, sustainability, and collaboration elements
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Submit Application
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Submit by the official Vinnova call deadline
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Ensure all consortium members approve the proposal
H2: Expected Outcomes
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Implementation of sustainable, industrial-grade AI infrastructure
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Enhanced cybersecurity, data security, and digital sovereignty in Swedish industry
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Stronger collaboration between industrial, academic, and public sectors
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Increased innovation capacity and AI adoption across industrial production chains
Common Tips for Applicants
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Clearly define industrial needs and expected project impact
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Include a detailed consortium structure showing each partner’s role
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Demonstrate collaboration with universities or research institutes
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Ensure budget aligns with Vinnova funding rules
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Highlight sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and innovation potential
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can apply for this funding?
Consortia of at least two participants, including one industrial partner. Other participants can include universities, research institutes, or public authorities.
2. What funding amount is available?
2–15 million SEK per project, covering up to 50% of eligible costs.
3. Do all participants need to be Swedish?
Yes. Participants must be Swedish legal entities, including foreign organisations with a branch or establishment in Sweden.
4. What industries are targeted?
Industrial sectors across the entire production chain, including energy, logistics, transport, telecommunications, ventilation, recycling, defense, and digital infrastructure.
5. Can foreign organisations participate?
Yes, if they have a branch or establishment in Sweden and project costs relate to that Swedish entity.
6. What types of activities are funded?
Research and innovation projects that develop AI infrastructure, cybersecurity, data security, sustainability, and industrial collaboration.
7. Are universities and research institutes eligible?
Yes, they are encouraged as collaborators to foster innovation and strengthen AI infrastructure projects.
Conclusion
Vinnova’s funding opportunity empowers industrial-led consortia to develop sustainable AI infrastructure that strengthens Sweden’s digital sovereignty and cybersecurity.
By promoting collaboration across industry, academia, and public organisations, the programme accelerates innovation, AI adoption, and secure, resilient industrial digital systems throughout the country.
For more information, visit Vinnova.
